OTTAWA—Conservative MP Eve Adams says she is dropping out of a hotly contested nomination battle in a Toronto-area riding for health reasons.

Adams, who suffered a concussion in February, say she wants to focus on her health because of her slow recovery.

“Since my concussion last February and against my doctor’s orders, I have not rested,” Adams wrote in a statement distributed by email.

“I assumed as with all my previous health concerns that with time, my body would heal itself. However six months later, I continue to suffer from my concussion and the time has come to take my health seriously,” Adams said.

As a result, Adams said she was dropping out of the bitter nomination battle.

“I am writing to you today to inform you that I am withdrawing my candidacy from the nomination in our riding of Oakville North-Burlington due to my slow recovery from my concussion,” Adams said.

Adams had been embroiled in a bitter nomination battle against Natalia Lishchynain a campaign that saw charges and counter-charges of dirty tricks.

Adams’ fiancé Dimitri Soudas was forced out as executive director of the Conservative Party of Canada for meddling in Adams’ nomination campaign contrary to his job contract.

In an April interview with the Star, Adams said that allegations of campaign misconduct were “ridiculous” and said she was the target of a “pile-on” in the media.

But the allegations of wrong-doing put the nomination in limbo as the Conservative Party of Canada launched its own investigation. The party called off the nomination vote in May “in order to fully review complaints received.

“The Conservative Party believes in upholding the integrity of our nomination process, and apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause,” party spokesperson Cory Hann said at the time.

In her emailed statement, sent out Friday night, Adams said she had signed up 1,500 supporters and a team of 300 volunteers.

“In a nomination where a small camp relied on mud slinging, we always remained positive and took the high road. We talked about real issues and what I would do for you and your family,” she wrote.

And she said she has been overwhelmed by the support.

“You have overwhelmed me with your support and kind words of encouragement both for the nomination but most importantly, for my personal health,” she said.

Adams, who previously served on Mississauga Council, currently represents the riding of Mississauga-Brampton South. She is also the parliamentary secretary of the Minister of Health.

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